Space Needle

AAA Editor Notes

Space Needle is at 400 Broad St. on the Seattle Center grounds. Standing at a height of 605 feet, the Space Needle has been an iconic part of the Seattle skyline since it was unveiled as the centerpiece of the 1962 World's Fair. And ironically, the city's instantly identifiable symbol began as a sketch on a napkin.
The Needle was the brainchild of hotel magnate and key World's Fair organizer Edward E. Carlson. While on vacation in Stuttgart, Germany, Carlson—inspired by that city's Stuttgart Tower—sketched his version of a structure that would underscore the 21st-century themes of the upcoming exposition. His prototype, which resembled a flying saucer balanced on top of a very tall tripod, opened on Apr. 21, 1962, and was an immediate hit.
An observation deck at the 520-foot level provides panoramas of the city, Puget Sound and—on clear days—the distant Cascade and Olympic mountains; the elevator ride to the top takes just 43 seconds. SkyQ, a series of interactive kiosks, combines video information on major points visible from the observation deck with clips featuring local residents. Telescopes are available on the outside deck walkway. SkyCity, a restaurant at the top, turns full circle every 47 minutes and is open for lunch and dinner.
Note: SkyCity restaurant will be closed for renovations until May 2018.
Food is available. Time: Allow 1 hour minimum.